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Haemodialyser technology has not advanced much in decades, despite its unresolved shortcomings. Sophisticated new computational tools such as high-fidelity surrogate in silico dialyser models could reduce the time and expense of exploring alternative designs, dialysis dose and operating conditions compared with the current gold standard in vitro studies.

Global inequities and inequalities, human and health-care crises, transplantation successes in the face of limited organ availability, and desperate donors and recipients underlie the backstory of organ trafficking, namely the exploitation of the most vulnerable. Despite the framework set out by the Declaration of Istanbul for the ethical donation and transplantation of organs, organ trafficking remains a global challenge.

Renal nanomedicines may hold promise for the detection and treatment of a variety of kidney diseases. This Review describes how our understanding of the physiological principles that regulate the glomerular filtration, tubular secretion, luminal tubular uptake and re-elimination of nanoparticles in the kidneys may facilitate the selective targeting of nanomedicines to specific segments of the nephron.

A number of epidemiological studies have linked markers of underhydration with an increased risk of adverse health outcomes. This Review provides an overview of the mechanisms that regulate body water balance and the adaptive responses to decreased hydration, and describes current understanding of the physiological consequences of underhydration on health outcomes.

This Review summarizes the roles of sirtuins in kidney development, physiological processes and the pathogenesis of acute and chronic kidney diseases. The authors also highlight the potential of sirtuins as therapeutic targets to limit human kidney disease and renal ageing.

Improved understanding of the interrelated nature of cardiovascular, kidney and metabolic (CKM) health, the development of novel risk prediction equations, and the availability of powerful new therapies provide an opportunity to change the course of CKM health. Achieving such change at a population level will require additional advances to deliver equitable interdisciplinary care.

Chronic kidney disease is associated with a graded and independent excess risk of sensorineural hearing loss. This Review describes how disruption of shared signalling pathways that are important for the development of both the ear and the kidney and/or the presence of clinical drivers, such as specific medications or treatments, may underlie these associations.

The availability of antiretroviral therapy has led to a transformation in the spectrum of kidney diseases associated with HIV infection. This Review describes the changing pattern of kidney diseases associated with HIV infection, their risk factors, methods of evaluating kidney function in patients with HIV and current therapeutic approaches.

All patients with kidney disease have the right to have a say in their own clinical care, the provision of health services and research into kidney disease. Patient empowerment and advocacy, especially for those whose views are seldom heard, can be enhanced by working together in communities.

Renal cell carcinoma is a metabolic disease linked to a variety of alterations in genes that regulate cellular metabolism. Here, the authors examine cell-intrinsic metabolic alterations in hereditary and sporadic renal cell carcinoma, and how they can be exploited to develop novel therapeutic interventions.

Treatment of chronic kidney disease requires a comprehensive approach including universal access to early diagnosis and to medications that can slow disease progression. Such equitable access is not only an ethical requirement but can also reduce the financial and human costs of advancing kidney and cardiovascular disease.

Overcoming barriers to deliver high-quality care requires an assessment of the contribution of each barrier within a local context. Tools to identify early disease, knowledge of best therapies, access to care providers and medications, and an accountable and integrated health-care system are essential elements of quality care. Education of patients, providers and policy makers in conjunction with advocacy efforts and national policy frameworks are required to deliver high-quality care worldwide.

Many countries worldwide, particularly those with low or lower-middle incomes, do not have enough nephrologists to provide health services for patients with kidney disease. Increasing training opportunities, improving job satisfaction and using new technologies and advances in artificial intelligence could help to increase the nephrology workforce and improve patient outcomes.